I (think) I understand both sides. But I think the NBA went just a step too far - probably an over-correction to their having given up control over shoe colors. But also a legitimate concern about where this will lead to. The NBA wants to keep all aspects of the uniform "uniform." They want things to appear neat and tidy, and they want to prevent unregulated commercial branding and artistic expression (during the games). But why not allow the ninja headbands, but just require them to be generic? Specify the allowed colors and give them a maximum width and length. But, it's easy to imagine a few of the "league guardians" saying "No, we've got to nip this one in the bud, or next time they'll bring in the first amendment! We should have banned those damn tatoos when we had a chance."